Shock at sudden death of ‘inspiratonal' Fermanagh soccer coach (40)

Sunday World

17 hours ago

Michael Kerr (40) was a father of three and died at his home near Florencecourt in Co. Fermanagh.
The local football community is in shock after the sudden death of a manager – days after he was appointed to a new role.
Michael Kerr – one of the most successful players and managers in junior football in Northern Ireland – passed away yesterday.
The 40-year-old, a father of three, died at his home near Florencecourt in Co Fermanagh.
A death notice said he was a dearly loved husband and a devoted father.
Mr Kerr, who was appointed as manager of Beragh Swifts last week, helped Enniskillen Rangers to three Mercer League titles and four Junior Cups.
Michael Kerr. Photo: Fermanagh and Western Football League/Facebook
News in 90 Seconds - 15th June 2025
Neil Jardine, chairman of the Fermanagh & Western Football League, has led tributes.
He said everybody connected with the league was 'deeply shocked and saddened'.
'Michael was associated with local football for over 25 years, from his time with the then Fermanagh Milk Cup team, through playing spells with Enniskillen Town United, Ballinamallard United, Monaghan United and of course Enniskillen Rangers,' he said.
'Michael took over as player-manager of Rangers as they emerged from a period in Division 2 & 3 and as the facilities at the Ball Range opened.
'In that time he led them to three Mercer League titles, five Kennedy Cups and four Irish Junior Cups including becoming only the third team to win three in a row since the inception of the competition in 1887.
'After stepping down from the Rangers job in 2021, Michael still contributed by winning the club's first Mulhern Cup since 1999 as a player.
'Retirement was short lived as he took up the reins again for the start of the 2022-23 season.
'In September he led the first side from the North to win the IFA/FAI President's Cup, officially becoming All-Ireland champions.
'In 2022 and 2023, Michael managed the Fermanagh & Western Select side against Sligo & Leitrim District Soccer League, leading the team to wins in both games and firmly re-establishing the value of the representative game after a long break.
'Whilst we remember Michael's achievements in the local game, which stand alongside many of the greats to have graced our league, our immediate thoughts and heartfelt sympathies go out to his wife Donna and their three young daughters, his parents Dessie and Dee and sister Michelle along with the extended families.'
Enniskillen Rangers, the club that Mr Kerr led to so much success, described him as a legend of the local game.
'We have lost a club legend, but more than that, we have lost a true friend,' the club said today.
'Ironically, his passing took place on the same afternoon the club had gathered to celebrate his outstanding achievements. There will be a time in the future to reflect on and record Michael's achievements in football and his life."
Another of Mr Kerr's former clubs, Ballinamallard, also paid tribute.
'Michael was great footballer and inspiration to all involved around him at any level of the game,' the club said.
'Michael enjoyed spells with the Mallards at Youth level and in the Championship.
'Of course his time in management with Enniskillen Rangers Football Club speaks for itself.'